Everyone says in here that the plastic timing chain guides in the 22RE is the problem. And this is the reason the timing chain requires replacement more often than it should, and that the problem is often solved with those aftermarket timing chain guides that are made of steel. So what is it? Is it the timing chain guides that go? Or the timing chain? Or what's the exact problem? Sorry, everything I have read is a little vague, I'm looking for detail here. Thanks.

 

timing chains will pretty much last forever... pretty much... they are tough and if the guides are good really there is no reason for them to have issues... they should be replaced just for a PM situation.... if the plastic guides are broken or worn, it causes extra slack, and this slack can cuase the chain to start wearing away and a weak spot later cuasing breakage can result.....

 

It's the guides that go bad. Other parts of the engine will wear out before the chain goes bad.

 

The parts guy at the Toyota desk said to me that the reason that Toyota went to plastic guides was because they break when the chain has too much slack (from excessive wear) and the noise of the chain slapping against the cover was to let you know that it needed to be replaced. Using metal guides as they did in the early 80s could lead to your chain snapping from excessive wear without you having any forewarning. I'm not sure I buy into that theory. I will more than likely buy the metal guides next time.

 

Yea, I can tell you from experience right now. My chain just broke and I haven't been around these engines too long so I'm a little worried. I'm not positive on what has gone wrong since i haven't gotten the engine completely apart yet. If I understand correctly either my tensioner or the guide probably caused it. A toyota guy I talked to told me the metal guide is more expensive but worth it. So hopefully I get her going again someday.

 

My chain whent bad with the guides intact. It is only a cain. It is well lubricated but even so it will wear out by the time you hit 100k no matter what. You are suposed to replace it every 60K (I think) and I am on my third one at 170K. The meatal guides are a good idea. You can get a whole kit that will upgrade you to the older style 2X thick chain if your engine is later than 85' but it costs a lot more since you have to replace the whole cover. I think that kit will go for a min of $100.